Does "True Life: I'm Deaf" Represent the Deaf?

[megthehufflepuff]

Being Hearing myself, I don't understand why anyone who is deaf wouldn't want to at least be somewhat associated with the "Hearing World". I mean, most of the people I know want those who are deaf to feel included and want to get to know them.

[IamDMStheH3r0]

I thought the episode was remarkable. I felt so happy for Chris when he entered the "hearing world". I never heard of CI's until I saw this episode, but I wasn't naive enough to think that a CI can cure everyone's deafness. I'm happy for Chris, and you should be too.

[BizaroMustard100]

Hi, I was just wondering. Is sign language universal? Can you talk to people from other countries and do some people have different accents? Like if you spoke to a guy from Japan does he sign slightly differently? Sorry if I sound ignorant because I am. Thanks

[deathsdescent666]

@BizaroMustard100 No, sign language isn't universal. It varies from country to country as much as, and sometimes even more so, than verbal language.  For instance, ASL (American Sign Language) is different from BSL (British Sign Language) despite the fact that both the United States and Britain speak English.

[CelesteK]

You're right about new parents being too quick to implant their children. I believe that Choclear device surgery should be used only when the parents have tried everything else. Chris isn't really a bad person for wanting to have the surgery. But the way MTV portrayed him was horrible. And he made a video explaining how he felt after the show was over.

[CelesteK]

You're right about new parents being too quick to implant their children. I believe that Choclear device surgery should be used only the parents have tried everything else. Chris isn't really a bad person for wanting to have the surgery. But the way MTV portrayed him was horrible. And he made a video explaining how he felt after the show was over.

[COO113]

the sound quality on here is horrible!!!!!

[hockeymania8]

can u talk

[sweetstaches]

I'm so glad you did this video, to show how the Deaf are NOT the way they are portrayed. I was not happy with this episode at all. I know it's proper to capitalize words in a title, but in doing so they were not distinguishing between Deaf and deaf. Chris was deaf. And reading the comments from some people, I feel like they don't understand. MTV should have had someone on the show who is Deaf, to show the positives, instead of focusing on the negatives.

[BLW2008]

With the guy, it's just so bad that they have to pay for something that costs a lot, around $40,000 depending, just to fit in. Gee what if that sort of thing could be done to the gays eh? Stick a little thingy in their brains and voila they're straight!

Less suicides cuz they'd be fitting in with the rest of us, true?

[mayelaine2]

Why are you making it seem like the implant is such a bad option? I'm not deaf but i could definitely see the guy's frustration when sorrounded by hearing people... so what if he wanted to hear? Is that so bad? However, i'll have to agree on the girl, it seemed as if she was in the middle: not completely deaf (since she could hear and didn't use sign language) but didn't entirely belong in the hearing (she couldn't hear entirely) So it might be true that one might never fit in entirely

[stargaze17]

I'm hearing and taking ASL classes to became an interpreter and I agree that MTV could have done a lot better job at representing the Deaf community. I'm not going to say Chris or Amanda are living wrong, but you weren't saying that either. I do believe that Chris was old enough to decide if he wanted a CI and Amanda in my mind has a really big disadvantage in life not knowing sign and only lip reading. I feel bad for her because she isn't really in the hearing world or the Deaf world then.

[kristend2013]

I agree with you. I mean, it's people's choice if they got the implant or not. But MTV could've possibly followed one person getting the implant and another person that's perfectly fine being deaf.

[alternaco]

Man... why is the implant not a good option??? it is the best choice right now to improve your audition, if you are completely deaf

[Ms250982]

a life what deaf

[diadevlin]

What about subtitles for the hearing? *scnr*

[MountainDewFanatic09]

look in the transcript posted under the info tab

[flippinup]

exatcly what i told my siblings i was upset about the show was it did not show Deaf culture. i go to silent dinners and hang with friends and all, and sign ASL, but here was more like hearing people who can't hear. not embrace deaf culture. think they need to do story on person who Deaf and involved Deaf culture for real.

[Banerika]

flippinup, I agree with you 100%. Then the show would have been much more purposeful and valuable, instead of the "same old same old" from a hearing perspective.

[flippinup]

exactly.

[coopi1481]

and it's pretty normal, that hearing parents wants to give their child the possibility to be able to hear the world around them!it is nothing which has to be blamed, nothing to be ashamed for!just be a little more tolerant to the hearing culture,this is what you want for the deaf culture also!

[BRAZILGOTSTYLE]

@coopi1481 ooh I see, so to you guys there is a Deaf Culture, hearing Culture, and Blind Culture?

[coopi1481]

@BRAZILGOTSTYLE

yes, absolutely. but these cultures are so far from each other thats very frustrating.hearing culture doesn't no anything bout deaf culture and thats very sad. same with the blind culture... . i think people should try to understand each other more than like now.

[BRAZILGOTSTYLE]

@coopi1481 I agree! I remember making a beautiful poem about all our cultures and forming it to becoming one body (lol sound weird? I know). The way I see it, Hearing Culture is the most arrogant of all because we only seem to care about the big picture and things that have so little meaning. like a hearing person wouldnt bother talking to the other and yet a blind person will come up to you and say Hi. Or a Deaf person who is aware of the REAL problems yet cant get the Hearing to care

[BLW2008]

@coopi1481 Yea i get it, but suppose it doesn't work out. Some kids just plain don't want it then they lose the chance to learn language. Those kids either end up going to a deaf institute 8th grade while reading 2nd grade books OR become like that girl without a place to go.

[coopi1481]

well, i don't agree with you bro. CI is not as bad as you are said!CI is a chance to hear and nothing which has to be eradicate!and if it is not for deaf people who were born deaf, but it is for people who became deaf by desease or so!

[tobybauer82]

i think if you get Cochlear implants its no big deal! If I Got then when I was younger I would probably be better off. And i think its MAJOR mess up when people from the deaf comm. try talking nonsense about the Deaf who do get them. Son, you need to move up from around here with all that shit for real son! This gotta stop this shit gotta simmer down right here now.

[Demi12345Lovato]

i took four years of ASL fro ma deaf teacher and it was the best experience i've had so far. I made so many deaf freinds. i learned how to talk to them more, and i helped them learn speech later on. ASL is by far an amazing language.

[coopi1481]

@Demi12345Lovato

yes bro, absolutely yes!

[lost2fairyfate]

I agree

[littlerisky14]

I agree completely with the Deaf culture. Im a Third year ASL student in high school and before the class never knew that there were culturally Deaf people. I realize they don't need to be fixed, there is nothing TO fix. They are not handicapped in anyway, they just communicate differently. Although, I wish Deaf people would consider that hearing people are not trying to offend them. This episode was based on a students life and how he struggles. He felt he was broken and wanted something new.

[peppermint23]

I've noticed that many members of the Deaf community/sub-culture get very upset over people wanting to assimilate into the hearing world. I would have to disagree with you that being Deaf was not portrayed as something negative, but something that was a struggle. And though I'm not, I can sympathize with their day to day challenges. Amanda said she was PROUD of being deaf as it made her who she is, and Chris said he still identifies as Deaf but wants more insight into the hearing world.

[HinduBerlinBum]

I was not disgusted with the show. It showed that implants were a possibility for people who did not know. A lot of people do not know about them. I thought the show was good. It showed not every one use ASL.

[NYskater95]

i am learning how to sign, how do you sign my name is

[Banerika]

NYskater95, Go to BYUFanatic on YouTube, he is Deaf and teaches ASL. There is a video on how to introduce yourself in ASL on his channel.

[empire812]

i go to highschool with chris

[bogusboy411]

r u actual friends with him?

[Banerika]

"A culture is all that a group of people do and includes their beliefs, values, customs, activities, and language. Many things that Deaf people do are the same as what occurs in nondeaf communities. But, we define Deaf culture by looking at what's different in the Deaf community. Deaf people have a strong identity with Deaf culture because they embrace those differences." -- David Stewart, Ed. D (Deaf educator)

[Banerika]

"Deaf people live in a world that is largely made for those people who can hear and speak ... it is success in the face of such strong communication barriers that instills pride in them ... Deaf people are proud of their place in society. They are proud of their history and of their culture, which is how they have adjusted to society."

[Banerika]

Pluto, as for not wanting Deaf people getting anywhere near music, why on earth would you say that? You've got a chip on your shoulder the size of Texas. Did someone Deaf reject you at some point in your life? Is that what this is about? Feeling hurt because you're not accepted?

[Banerika]

CI is just an advanced hearing aid. Not a "cure."

[Banerika]

The young guy actually says "I want to grow up and have a job and get married" as reasons for CI. Like people who are Deaf don't grow get married or have a job?! C'mon. Get real. I don't know if we can blame the teenager for this, it's his parents, this society of ours, and MTV probably editing for "drama."

[Banerika]

I just watched this and I thought the whole bias was anti-Deaf, with deafness seen primarily as a problem to be fixed. I didn't get why part of the reasoning presented for getting CI was to have a hearing girlfriend, when this guy already had a hearing girlfriend. And I thought she should have tried a lot harder to learn ASL, it didn't seem like she tried at all. Overall, I found it kind of depressing, a sad comment on an audist society.

[alisonjaneee]

..although i will say they SHOULD have also featured someone who cant benefit from that shit or who chooses not to. thats the perspective they left out.

[rockmusicrockall2]

Yes, THAT is why The vlogger of this video did this to make others see that perspective view that MTV left out.

[alisonjaneee]

i dont see why deafness is being considered a culture... kinda makes it a stereotype, like blondes- that shit doesn't matter. the point of the episode was to show they are normal people that shouldnt be alienated by others. mtv catered to its audience, which are people who typically would judge someone for being deaf. they had to pick people that are kind of like them- a skater and a dancer. no one is deaf out of choice so why have pride for it? acceptance and pride in SELF is what counts.

[rockmusicrockall2]

Because we have a language that helps us to communicate. Just like how the Arabic Countries have their own cultures of their own languages, beliefs, ideas.

We also have all of those too. It's who we are. Therefore, Deafness is considered a Culture because of the People. Go make some researches... Thanks. =) Just a suggestion, not implying that you have to. <3

[plutogirllovekj]

This video is discriminatory, why didn't you put captions?

[Banerika]

plutogirllovekj, how many videos on YouTube have captions for deaf people? Wanna guess?

[plutogirllovekj]

What's your point? one kind of discrimination justifies another kind of discrimination?? Ok, now I know that I'm communicating with a truly daft individual hence this conversation is over!! Adieu!

[Banerika]

Ha ha! My point is walk a mile in someone else's shoes. That's my *whole* point. Think for a minute about what it would be like if you could watch and understand only about 1 or 2% of YouTube because *no one* thought about *your* need to understand.

Also, btw, it's translated in the "more info" section for people who don't know ASL. So no, this video doesn't "discriminate" against you.

[plutogirllovekj]

Well if the average hearing person can't understand what the hell you're saying how in God's name do you expect the majority to care!! When deaf people promote so-called "deaf culture" (which is truly a joke in and of itself) they consciously segregate themselves from the larger American culture!! Then they turn around and complain, what a bunch of grievance mongers!!!

[Banerika]

Are you saying that because you can't understand a person's language, that they don't matter and you don't have to care about them? That's pretty cold. Promoting Deaf culture isn't about conscious segregation at all. It's about people being proud of who they are. I think that's a good thing. As for "turning around and complaining," you'd complain too in the same circumstance, you just don't know that because you refuse point blank to even spend a half second imagining it.

[plutogirllovekj]

Proud of what??? Being born with a handicap??? Deafness is not an ethnic identity, it is not a religious identity, it is not a racial identity!! Culture isn't really culture unless it contributes something to the greater society, what exactly has "deaf culture" given the world? What has it contributed to mankind?? Stop fooling yourselves. Deaf culture is just something awkward deaf people invented to feel a sense of belonging and boost their low self-esteem. It is a fiction of their imagination!

[Banerika]

Wow, I don't think I've ever met someone so sure of something she obviously knows nothing about. Willful ignorance taken to a whole new level. I'm thinking I'll just let you hang there, having revealed yourself for who you are here in a public forum. I would feel embarrassed and ashamed if I were you. BTW, there are these things called books. I know you're probably not too keen on them, but you when you read them, something happens called "learning." Try it.

[plutogirllovekj]

Actually I'm very fond of books. My favorite authors are A.M. Forster, Ian McEwan, Phillip Roth and above all Reinaldo Arenas, you should read his book Antes que Anochezca! Unlike fake deaf people he was a matyr who stood up for his culture against communism (Cuban). I don't read books by whiney deaf fools. And by the way the average deaf person is far behind in academic achievement so don't even pull the "you must be stupid" card! Je parles trois langues y yo aprendo otra lengua (deutsche).

[Banerika]

You haven't learned or read about Deaf people and Deaf culture, that much is clear.

[plutogirllovekj]

Look, I have studying to do, but I will say again, there is no such thing as "deaf culture". Name me one thing unique to deaf people, what have they created?? What unique music? What unique art? What unique thinkers? Where are "deaf culture's" Dante, Shakespeare and Kant?? They don't freaking exists!! Where are their Einsteins?? They have none. And please don't be pathetic and claim Beethoven as a product of "deaf culture", he was born and bred in the hearing world!! Deaf culture is non-existent

[Banerika]

I am rewriting this comment with the proper respectful attitude. "I don't understand what Deaf culture is, can you tell me where I can find information about it? I'd like to know about the accomplishments of Deaf people, including artistic expressions and works of art. Unfortunately, since we live in a hearing dominated world, I do not know about famous historic Deaf people. Please tell me where I can learn more."

[peppermint23]

Honey, shut up. You don't get it. Just give it up.

[BLW2008]

@peppermint23 Dude, STFU and don't ever tell anyone to give up.

[plutogirllovekj]

Just in case you didn't understand my tri-lingual sentence I will translate: I speak three languages and I am learnning another language (German). So you can keep you ridiculous smug comments to yourself!! By the way I was actually learning ASL, but now I refuse to continue because deaf fool aren't worth my attention!!

[plutogirllovekj]

TyPo!! "s" at the end of "fool". It should be "fools"!!

[Banerika]

Je vous comprends tout à fait. Vous êtes fous, pas moi.

[plutogirllovekj]

Tres bien!! Now I have to go, adios you pathetic fetishist!!

[rockmusicrockall2]

Pluto, come watch my videos. I am interpreting music into sign language so that the DEAF people can understand/see the meaning of each song/peotic lyric with the beat of music & with the facial expressions showing/giving the tone of the voice.

Please do not jump to conclusions where you do not know any information about it.

By the way, Why would you say such things when you've taken ASL before. Why hate it now? It's nice to have SOME knowledge about other things. It's how you learn. =) Thanks

[plutogirllovekj]

Why are you interpreting music?? I thought deaf people who love "deaf culture" should be proud of the fact that they will never be able to appreciate the genius of Mozart or the madness of Madonna. Aren't they proud that they will never here the cry of a newborn baby or the singing of a bird. I thought "deaf culture" means deaf people don't need no stinking music. They are proud to be left in the dark!! I don't want deaf people getting any where near "hearing culture's" music.

[Banerika]

This is yet another area where you are wrong, because you don't know anything about Deaf people, Deaf culture, and refuse to learn. Sure, there are plenty of Deaf people who don't appreciate music. And there are plenty who do. Just like hearing people. There are different ways to enjoy music, regardless of how much or well well you can hear. One of the ways that Deaf people can enjoy music is watching "visual music."

[rockmusicrockall2]

@Banerika hey erika! remember this retarded drama? oi! What a long way we've come! :D

[rockmusicrockall2]

I'm interpreting music because I love music,.. Is there anything wrong with loving music? Deaf people don't love deaf culture, its who they are. They don't have to appreciate the "genius of Mozart or Madness of Madonna"... By the way, it's spelled HEAR, not here...O_o... and it's CHIRPING, not singing of a bird... I'm hard of hearing and I've got better english than you. =) We aren't in the dark. We're only different because we can't hear.

Please grow up as a favor for us all. Thanks. =)

[BLW2008]

@rockmusicrockall2 Hah I know of a girl who's 4th generation Deaf as in everyone is Deaf in her family yet... she LOVES music. Barely see her without an ipod. The best thing is she can live without it if she wants to.

[rockmusicrockall2]

@BLW2008 AHH, it took me FOREVER to find this comment.

Yes, I know I'm a 1st generation but pretty sure there ain't gonna be a 2nd one but HOWEVER! I know PLENTY of people that have over 10 generations of deaf family members and yet they're VERY strong within the Deaf community and their love of music....COULD possibly outdo the Hearing Community because it is possible. =)

Deaf people LOVE beats. That's that. :D

Nice meeting you! <3 hehe

joshy

[frttee6]

there is a transcript and i don't see why would you even care to know what he is saying because you obviously have no respect for the Deaf and our culture so why don't you just fuck off and find some other prejudiced bigots like yourself and share your thoughts with them instead.

[FallenLady68]

Im deaf also and I was eligible for the CI......I turned it down because I didn't want to change the person that I am now...There is no pride, it's society that makes it that way...Sad but true. Everyone has their own opinion and its free speech so he is entitled to say what is on his mind....

[DaTweetyShortii]

it is because they were not prepared or didnt know how to be independent! u better watch what you say about our program at mlhs. They are proud of themselves as a deaf individuals because the program taught them to be proud of who they are. dont sabtoage our program if you dont know nothing about our program and do your damn research on mlhs program to get ur facts straight!

[DaTweetyShortii]

hey i am former student of MLHS (Mountain Lakes High School) this school is a good school. they prepare deaf students to be independent and prepare them for college! i have seen so many deaf students from this program able to graduate and go to college and receive theie degree and have a wonderful life. I graduated and went on to college and i was able to get my degree. do you know how many deaf students that have higher percentage of dropping out of college or couldnt do college?

[jerrysaries328]

One thing I've never understood is the pride in Deaf culture. Not to be rude, or anything, I swear. It's just, to me, as a hearing person who practices and loves music, my hearing is essential to me. I can't imagine being without it, and if I were deaf, I would leap at the chance to receive a Cochlear implant, which might help me hear. I can understand being proud of self-reliance and independence, if deaf or hearing. What I don't understand is being proud of a disability that /may/ be helped.

[Heroic7Wicked]

I'm deaf myself but have declined cochlear implant for my entire life. I understand the love of music but if you don't hear it, you don't appreciate it. Many deaf people think society is pressuring them to have an implant. Personally, I don't really care but I have to tell everybody cochlear implant is not the magic bullet.

[duhitisme]

look I go to school with chris and he is a great guy

my mom taught him and everything that was said and done to chris is normal. he says he is fine with it so don't make up assumptions that you don't really know about

[Bulldog642005]

hey there this is cochlear implants alike hearing aid but that comparing to hearing aid put on a table or friend hold that thing until play final then pick hearing aid that safe than cochlear implants cant role in any sports and no free there !!!

[katieosheax3]

i am friends with the kid chris in Thr TrueLife im Deaf; well actually im friends with his brother Caleb. but i didnt read your whole thing on it but just like dont say anything about it kay?! it bothers me.

[daleyander2468]

I don't need ochlear Implant! I rather stay what I am now.

[Verdoux007]

Then you're an ignoramus.

How many times have I heard (pardon the pun) a person say that they don't want something, but haven't even tried it.

I have a bum right ear and I would absolutely love to have my stereo hearing back.

[daleyander2468]

Whatever you say. I don't care if you want to have Ochlear Implant. I still don't against your decision. That is fine with me. It is your life not mine.

[reflexrules]

Many deaf people don't want to be implanted because they view deaf culture as a culture and not a disability (you should watch the documentary: "The Sound And The Fury"). It's a personal choice and individuals should have the right to do what they want with their bodies. Some prefer to sign and some prefer to interpret sound through their sensory neural mechanism. There is no right or wrong and calling him an ignoramus is nasty. His choice does not have to be yours.

[kcssnotbubble]

why would you call him that because he doesn't want something that you do? A bum right ear doesn't even make you deaf. They take offense to it because it's as if society is saying that there is something wrong with them and they should conform to society by getting the implant. i completely agree with their views but you should at least respect their view although you do not share those views.

[Verdoux007]

So what you're basically saying is that deaf people think that they're better than "regular folks" and like to live in an ignorant bliss.

When you have all your senses, it makes life a lot easier and widens the opportunities that a person can have.

[kcssnotbubble]

no. i'm saying they are proud of who they are as people and they have the right to be.

you think that having all your senses makes life easier because you still have all your senses and always have so that's what you're used to. so fixing your other ear back to the way it was is no biggy and not that much of a change. for a deaf person, it turns their world upside down. it's not just simply getting the implant- it's years of speech therapy which is very hard as you get older.

[kcssnotbubble]

it's more reasonable for a person who loses their hearing at an older age and wants to go back to how they were by getting the implant.when my deaf grandpa was a kid they would slap his hands and force him to use his voice-talk about conformity! they have been through a lot of shit in history And have overcame a lot to fight for their rights.

[kcssnotbubble]

some choose to not get the implants because they have no problem with who they are and how they were born. being deaf is a part of who they are and that's why most of them want to stay that way. you don't have the right to judge them for that.

[Verdoux007]

I have every right to judge them, just like you have the right to judge me (like you have).

You say that I THINK having all your senses makes life easier. That's incorrect. I KNOW that life is easier when you have all your senses.

[kcssnotbubble]

well yeah it's easier for YOU to have all your senses because you grew up having them and it's not easier for someone who grew up not having them. it's harder for them. that's all i was trying to say.

i didn't mean to judge you, i just thought what you said was very mean and i wanted to stand up for those whom you attacked.

[njskater17]

seriously what's the big deal?

it's only a fucking show

you're obv jealous then

i have nothing to against deaf people

[abirdasparrow]

Well said! its so freaking ignorant of these people saying that MTV didn't accuratley represent deaf people because Chris got a CI. They act as if MTV's actually going to follow the life of a happy care free deaf person. The show is supposed to follow the lives of struggling young people. Not to follow the lives of poster children. I dont think its supposed to 'represent' anyone.

[njskater17]

and all of you people who hated my show, IM LIVING MY OWN LIVE AND YOU CANT CONTROL IT

seriously, grow up

and go outside

[frttee6]

I'm glad you're so proud of being Deaf and at the same time proud of your own decisions.

[njskater17]

fuck you aimsux, dude there's a deaf program in my school and im not dumb, you're obv jealous. cause you cant even go on tv and get a girl.

[xoNickJonasxo16]

you go chris. your absolutley right. i wish you well.

[snow795]

yeahh chris!!!

[aimsux321436]

thats sad i am in hearing school and i am full deaf and i got a hearing hot girl as my date and i am doing fine so chris is fucked up boy bec he is dumb

[HardHoteL352]

respond to your comment, first of all, your dumb. Second of all, u totally have no idea what is this true life about, dumb fake fucker. Third of all, he has a girlfriend which is hearing. Fourth of all, Get a life.

[cmills311]

I'm not really sure why you wouldn't want your kid to get an implant if you are a parent of a deaf child. It was up to Chris to get the implant anyways. Not the parents. I'm not really disgusted that they showed that either, i mean it's a doumentary show. They wouldn't really be doing their job if they didn't document anything. But yeah, I can respect your opinion as well. And I too, think MTV sucks balls anyways.

[lanay7]

Mtv was representing Chris and Amanda, not the deaf community as a whole. They gave us two different perspectives. Chris and Amanda's situations were very different. Chris and Amanda have touched alot of people because of the show. Stop whining so much. What do you want MTv to do, write a disclaimer stating that the show does not represent the entire Deaf Community? You hated the show, so what life goes on. The show isn't going anywhere and they are going to re run it

[Laurenn177]

i enjoyed the show it gave a little more insight... my 10 year old cousin is deaf so i understand more what life is like for him and how he views the world.

[njskater17]

chill out Deaffilmmaker01 :)

it's just only the thing i want for my life

im not trying to ruin the deaf community

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Haha oh I know you're not trying to ruin the Deaf community. I hope no one said that to you. It's not you I'm pointing the finger at, it's media. Just wish media could do a better job of portraying the Deaf, like maybe have a third story of a someone who's in a Deaf family or attends a deaf school, that's all :-) Look forward to my vlog, all right?

[snow795]

woo

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Ah, there was a comment I posted, but it's not up here. I just wanted to say what MTV did was show deaf people that wanted to conform in the hearing world. Chris wants to hear, no problem! He's still one of us, regardless as long as he promotes and advocates ASL as the primary and #1 language for the Deaf, spreads Deaf culture.

My only objection is MEDIA, the constant portrayal of the deaf with themes of pity, sympathy, and hope for sound once again. That is why I'm truly disappointed.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Most Deaf people do NOT want to hear. To understand this a little bit better, a black person is saying, I don't want to be lighter-skin. Think of the cochlear implant as a "tool" that's culturally threatening to a linguistic minority. Deaf people stand out from others in the "handicapped community" exhibiting their own language, culture, values, traditions, and beliefs. They are a whole. I will share my experiences and insightful thoughts later. Thanks! And no one is jealous here ;-) Wink

[stankylittleangus]

Why wouldn't you want to hear though? Isn't that quite ignorant? Dismissing the possibility of having an entire new sense because of pride? That seems pretty foolish to me, I really think you're wrong when you say that most Deaf people don't want to hear...I think YOU do not.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Haha. I'm quite amused, honestly. I find that humorous. It is obvious you haven't met many Deaf folks nor interacted/signed with them. If God were to stand before me, "Jonathan. I grand you the ability to hear"- would I take it? No, thanks because I like the way I am. It's not a matter of pride. It's accepting who you are. Deaf isn't looked as pathological medical issue. It's a linguistic and cultural minority, something that is worth keeping for.

[stankylittleangus]

I too find you humorous, I like your assessment of how I haven't met many Deaf folks nor interacted with them, when my mom is deaf and just 3 years ago got a cochlear implant. I have met many Deaf people. I would disagree and say that being Deaf is most definitely a medical issue, to believe that it isn't is just to ignore the facts. You say it's not a matter of pride, and rather accepting who you are, however I could accept that I am obese (hypothetical situation) and be happy with myself...

[stankylittleangus]

However if given the chance to be thin, I would accept it, you can still accept yourself but be willing to change, how you act is a matter pride however 'Jonathan' I hope you realize this.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Yeah, I understand your analogy used on obesity. However, being Deaf isn't a stigma. If I was blind, in a instant would I take the chance to see if provided. Now why is this okay for blind/obese, but not for Deaf? If you look at the big picture- Deaf people, out of the whole "handicapped" community is the ONLY group that have their language, culture (norms, values, beliefs, and traditions), and heck, even an university for them. In the case of Deaf people, it is a striking phenomenon.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Furthermore, I think we should swap places and you will see why a person like me who grew up in the hearing world is a now stanch, fervent advocate on this issue of CI in the Deaf world. I would not be so surprised if the Deaf people you interact with are not Strong D-eaf or however. I've met those who are D-eaf, but have passively decided "there's nothing we can do, but just take it." That would mean 200 years of Deaf rights have gone for nothing, but waste.

[stankylittleangus]

You helped me understand where you are coming from with that last response, it is true. However I still think even though such are special things, an entire new sense is much more special. For now I guess we'll just agree to disagree then.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Haha I kiss-fist you! Wow, I really thank you for your comment and I'm really glad to know that I helped you understand. I know where you're coming from, too with "a new sense... special" It's a definitely sticky issue. I mean, just imagine if people had choices to be other than they were naturally born as- women turning into men, blacks their skin lighter, Asians their eyes adjusted- in name of conformity or not accepting themselves? This is supposedly a hearing, white man's country.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

I'm okay with folks getting the CIs, but Deaf babies, hands off! Wait till they are older, in their teens or something. Tricky part is CIs are more successful the younger you are. The whole point is that I'm tired of media frequently showcasing the CI as a success story. I know some fail CI stories. Besides, why don't they film TRUE Deaf people? Like the ones in Deaf schools or from Deaf families while keeping Chris & Amanda's stories? True Life usually have three stories to air, anyway.

[spamo2008]

I am writing a paper on this subject and would like to know specific examples of the media showcasing CI as a success story. I am finding that most of the time it is portrayed as a negative thing. Please give me specific examples of where you have seen the "success story" so I can use this in my research.

[Deaffilmmaker01]

Hey, I haven't watched this vlog since I have been pretty busy with a lot of things. I just got a back from a trip. I plan to do a vlog on this as well with captions accessible for the Deaf-impaired. I mean, hearing people. Just kidding, people. Don't get in a hussy fit :-)

I have to say that I agree with this dude here. MTV's True Life did not represent the Deaf accurately. It should've been "MTV's True Life: I'm deaf." Not capital D. Will comment more.

[LittleNintendo]

Chris is awesome.

[ummmya93]

you may not agree with this whole thing but chris can hear now and that makes him a happier person.this was his decision and he is happy now so that is all that really matters.

im happy for you chris!!

[njskater17]

thanks man!

[snow795]

hes nice

[britquickxcore]

Also, I would like to mention Chris' choice to get a cochlear implant. Because he choose to get an implant does not make him suddenly turn into a hearing person, or make him not proud to be deaf. Getting a cochlear implant is a choice that each deaf person should be free to make without criticism by the deaf community. Chris is very proud to be deaf, and he will always be deaf. Sure, he will be able to hear when his implant is on, but he will always be an avid member of the deaf community

[MountainDewFanatic09]

I would like to apologize for my comments in Vlog but I hope you do understand what I am trying to say. I thank you for your feedbacks. I plan to do a vlog on Mainstream vs Deaf School:My experiences so I hope you andChris will watch that Vlog. I hope to see Chris as a wonderful Advocate for us regardless of his Cochlear Implant.

[MountainDewFanatic09]

When I transferred to VSDB in 2004 I was in a MEGA Cultural SHOCK and realized that Mainstream and Deaf worlds are completely different. I learned Deaf History and realized what our ancestors went through to perserve ASL. I might seem to be against CI but really I just do not like CI, thats my opinion but I respect those who gets CI but am a little disappointed but I hope they will learn ASL and Deaf Culture. You and I are DEAF please view my other vlog on how to protect Deaf Culture

[britquickxcore]

I'm friends with Chris, and many other deaf and HOH people. I'm hearing, and I've noticed that every one of my deaf and HOH friends have different reasons why they're deaf, hearing, speech, signing, and lip reading capabilities, so how could you pick only 2 deaf people to represent a huge and diverse group of people??

I would like to know what "kind" of deaf people you thought should have been on the show.

[MountainDewFanatic09]

I was hoping that i would be asked this question! Good question, I was hoping for someone who attened Mainstream school and Deaf School, I was once a mainstream student myself, I know exactly what Chris is going through. I applaud Chris' courage to do what he did. I have nothing against him. We all have a story to tell. I once considered geetting an CI but decided not to due to low chances of it succeeding. When I was in public school I used PSE (comment continues below)

[frttee6]

I agree someone who attend a Deaf school would have been better.

[kcssnotbubble]

i didn't see the show but i saw clips on youtube. what was chris's situation before he got the implant? was he not born deaf?

[HardHoteL352]

dude, whats wrong with you? im chris's bestfriend. i am in mtv video with chris. so shut up about complainning already. it is about LIFE, okay? don't you get it? You mean you are jealous of this?

[berndobear]

who?

[rockmusicrockall2]

You obviously don't understand how we are in life. You have to be DEAF to get the correct perspective view of it. So, do try to be observative. Thanks.

[berndobear]

yea, its understandable deafness cant be cured, BUT with new stuff going around today like the hearing implants, its a good thing that the deaf have a chance to hear

[njskater17]

we live in a hearing world, you dont have to be very serious about ASL & deaf culture.

[CharlieTurk90]

Yeaaaa, 100% nonsense

[njskater17]

dude, you're just wrong.

[MountainDewFanatic09]

Chris, Can you please explain why I am wrong?

[snow795]

he is wrong

[punchdrunkbunny]

Great Vlog! Thank you for posting transcript! I think a big problem is hearing people are not taught about Deaf culture AT ALL. They don't understand it. And what someone doesn't understand...they fear. Wasn't until I took ASL that I learned a lot. I was a little angry I never was told about AGB, Deaf history, etc. Felt cheated out of knowledge. I hope your Vlog will show that Deaf people can be happy being Deaf and embrace it. Good luck in the future!

[MountainDewFanatic09]

If you do have any question about Deaf Issues or Deaf Culture or Deaf Studies. Anything you might be not clear on. Please do ask away

[punchdrunkbunny]

Hello. I'm hearing. Watched your Vlog but I am not advanced in ASL enough to follow. I am interested in your opinion. Maybe you could write a little in the description? I say this because hearing people definitely have access to "True Life" but they don't have access to your side. So they only see one thing. Therefore, they keep thinking the same things. :)

[MountainDewFanatic09]

I just posted a transcription, look for it in the video Info section. I appreciate your feedbacks, I planned to post transciption becaise I want EQUAL ACCESS for all. I hope to see more feedbacks. I want be a good vlogger. Thank you